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The South's Best Breads & Pastries

In the South, bakeries that excel in artisan breads and pastries are scarce. We tend to grow up on plain ol' white bread—an appreciation for rustic loaves can be an acquired taste. And as someone who used to labor over meringues and mousses to construct picture-perfect pastries, I still feel awe for chefs who forge stunners equally pleasing to the eye and palate.

In the South, bakeries that excel in artisan breads and pastries are scarce. We tend to grow up on plain ol' white bread—an appreciation for rustic loaves can be an acquired taste. And as someone who used to labor over meringues and mousses to construct picture-perfect pastries, I still feel awe for chefs who forge stunners equally pleasing to the eye and palate.

Poupart Bakery Inc.Lafayette, LACatering to Cajun culture, this bakery serves beignets, lemony Doberge tortes, and puff-pastry King cakes. It also showcases a wonderland of French-style pastries crafted by François Poupart, who immigrated to Louisiana in the early 1960s, and his son Patrick.Why we're sweet on it: Vibrant fruit tarts, puffy éclairs, and meticulous slices of opera cake are as delicious to devour as they are to behold.Order this: Strawberry Delight, an old-world beauty of fresh strawberries, mousseline (custard and whipped cream) and fraisier (a sponge cake made with almond meal). Mail order available; poupartsbakery.com

Upper Crust BakeryAustin, TXOn a busy corner of the town's park-laden Rosewood area, Upper Crust has been a mecca for Austin coeds, moms, and morning commuters for more than 15 years.Why we're sweet on it: This consummate local bakery is as much a breakfast-and-lunch touchstone as a source for fresh artisan breads.Order this: Brioche, made savory (ham and cheese), sweet (chocolate and raspberry), or stuffed with Swiss cheese. theuppercrustbakery.com